First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh eager for another shot, Charley Hull soon on YouTube. The Back Nine.
As expected, Brooks Koepka has withdrawn from the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more time for family. This was reportedly a friendly agreement, according to official statement by LIV CEO Scott McNeil. Koepka is a competitive type who gets highly motivated and fired up only in top-level competition, which he rarely experienced at LIV. He switched to LIV in 2022 mainly due to injuries threatening his career and to secure a solid retirement fund. Therefore, skipping the last contractual season is not surprising, although questions remain. Did he buy out? Repay part of his guaranteed fee? Does the 35-year-old still own his LIV team Smash GC, which recently appointed Talor Gooch as new captain?
Speculation grows about where Koepka will next appear. On the DP World Tour, where he would be immediately eligible to play—possibly facing a fine? Or on the PGA Tour, where he must serve a one-year suspension since his last LIV start, following the significant reduction of previous lifetime bans handed down by former Commissioner Jay Monahan? Why hold grudges when every high-profile LIV returnee plays into the hands of the PGA Tour, which holds the upper hand? This key question seems partly answered. According to ESPN journalist Mark Schlabach, Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, which was not renewed after 2022, seeking readmission to the players’ circle.
<